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His lady was burning the candle at both ends, and Zane was glad the Center’s classes would be canceled for the next several weeks after the final play performance while the electrical system and plumbing were updated. Which would also give him and Dallas the opportunity to finish integrating the security system.
And do some covert digging into Carson Wentworth’s recent activities.
Dallas suggested a nightcap, and after Jillian called home to check with Danielle and was assured Casey was snuggled in his bed fast asleep, she agreed.
The foursome kicked back in a cozy little seaside pub with aged brick walls on three sides, warm wood beams that glowed in the golden lamplight, and a spectacular view of the moonlit Pacific from their booth by the wide front window.
Quiet music floated in the background as Jillian and Zane relaxed in the booth opposite Mia and Dallas. The men both ordered Jack Daniels, Jillian requested her usual white wine, and Mia opted for pomegranate blueberry limeade.
The conversation was easy, the company enjoyable … and Zane’s every sense was alive with Jillian’s tantalizing presence.
A romantic ballad began to play, and Mia arched a brow at her husband. “In the mood to dance with me?”
Dallas’ answering grin was wicked. “Always, darlin’.”
The couple walked to the small dance floor.
Zane had no intention of following their lead and getting that close to his tempting wife.
Then he made the tactical error of looking over at her. He fell into those gentle violet pools … and every resolution came undone.
He didn’t speak, just offered his hand.
She took it without hesitation.
He led her to the dance floor where they melded into an embrace as fluidly as if they’d been dancing together for years instead of the very first time.
He enfolded one of her small hands in his at his shoulder, slid his other arm around her waist and drew her soft curves against him. As she rested her cheek on his chest, his bones melted.
Their bodies swayed together in a sensual rhythm thrumming with tender heat, and he nuzzled her silky hair, breathed her in. Basked in her achingly generous warmth, his soul as thirsty for her as the parched desert receiving a rare rainfall.
Touching her, holding her was becoming more natural, more necessary with each passing day. If only he could stop time.
Savor every moment.
Because the most difficult thing he’d ever done would be letting go of her.
Chapter 13
Two days later, Zane strolled the sunny beach hand-in-hand with Jillian while Casey darted in and out of the shallows collecting treasures in his bucket.
With the musical successfully behind them and the Center closed, they’d enjoyed a leisurely breakfast, then ambled out for a refreshing seaside walk before Jillian’s scheduled meeting with Lynn Reynolds.
They arrived back at the house, and Casey scampered away to wash the sand off his hands while Jillian brewed a fresh pot of coffee. The kid returned to the table with paper and crayons and began scribbling and humming a happy tune.
His mouth watering, Zane watched Jillian, vibrant in red shorts and a red and yellow tie-dyed tank top, retrieve the chocolate chip cookie dough she’d mixed-up earlier from the fridge and spoon it onto a baking sheet. She’d scooped her hair into a high ponytail, and he’d bet a year’s salary she was the only woman on the planet who could make a hair-tie festooned with ladybugs look sexy. She slid the cookies into the oven and the delectable smell soon wafted out.
“How long before they’re done?” he asked eagerly.
“Ten minutes or so to cook, and another three or four to cool down.”
“Nah, I can handle them hot.”
She gave his ass a playful swat with her potholder. “I know you can, Champ.”
Their gazes locked, she grinned, and his pulse went supersonic.
A knock on the front door saved him from making an idiot of himself by surrendering to the temptation to grab her and kiss her senseless in front of the kid.
